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California Capitol Staffer Killed In Casino Shootout Remembered

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Three people are behind bars and facing multiple charges after a deadly shooting outside of Capitol Casino on 16th Street. Nicholas Broadway died early Sunday morning after getting caught in the crossfire.

"He was always very pleasant to be around," said Trishana Suman, who worked with Broadway in Gov. Jerry Brown's office. "He also had bit of perkiness and spunkiness to him that was kind of contagious."

Friends and family of the 36-year-old remember him as the life of the party and a light in the office.

"Every Monday, he would wear black cause he was mourning the weekend being over and red on Fridays to celebrate the end of the week," said Paul McGinnis, Broadway's former colleague. "Today, sadly I'm wearing black mourning him."

Broadway was leaving the casino to catch a cab home around 1:37 Sunday morning. A fight broke out in the casino parking lot between two groups and it quickly escalated into a shootout involving a Sacramento Police officer working security at the time. The officer took cover behind a car and remains unharmed but Broadway was struck and died from his injuries.

"Actually, the night he passed, texted me for a ride," said Conrad Crump, Broadway's cousin. "I was like man I've been drinking already; I can't get behind the wheel."

Broadway responded at 6:59 p.m. saying "All good. We need to connect tho. I'm gainfully employed now so no more nickel and diming."

The two worked together at the Capitol for several years and Crump believes his cousin touched more than just his own life.

"Just thinking about the legacy that we lost, not just in the Capitol community but in the city of Sacramento," Crump said. "You know, he was such a loving breath of fresh air and a loving person and I'm just gonna miss him."

Broadway spent more than a decade working at the State Capitol, holding various positions under Governors Davis, Schwarzenegger and Brown.

Governor Brown's Office wrote on Twitter: "He wasn't just a colleague; he was a friend to so many of us. We'll miss you, Nick."

Officer Matt McPhail with Sacramento Police attributes the quick arrests of three suspects to a combination of witness accounts and surveillance video of the crime scene.

"One of those men is believed responsible for the victim's death," McPhail said. "He is believed to be the primary shooter in this case. Thankfully, none of them are going to be a continued risk to the public at this point."

Based on the position of the officer, McPhail said it's more than likely that Broadway was killed by the suspect's gunfire.

As he continues to process what happened to his cousin, Crump said he'll remember Broadway as a great friend and a great father.

"He was working with his son, trying to make sure he stayed in his son's life," Conrad said. "Everywhere Nick went, his son went."

"I hope he really understood how much he was loved and appreciated," Suman said.

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